Glue not Stitches

Last night Savannah earned the trademark cut on her chin that seems to go with being a toddler. We were at the mall so decided to grab a quick bite to eat at P.F. Changs. As we were leaving she stood up on the bench and started jumping her way to Chris. Before I could catch her, she fell forward, cutting her chin on the edge of the table. It is a small cut but because it is right in the crease of her chin, it took a little while to get it to stop bleeding. We were also a little unsure if it was going to need a stitch or two. Our pediatrician is wonderful! We were able to send him a text (on a weekend night) and within 10 minutes had a response! His recommendation was to meet him at the office in the morning and he would glue it if necessary.

Of course, it looked much better in the morning. He did put a little glue on it, just to keep it closed up. He said it was pretty super facial, all her teeth are in tact and it should heal without a scar!

Escape Artist

Tonight, Savannah advanced herself to a toddler bed by successfully climbing out of her crib! She was supposed to be sleeping and working on recovering from her jet-lag but Chris and I heard the tell-tale thud and went running. By the time we reached her she was crying but already to her bedroom door without a cut or bruise. Luckily, she didn't hurt herself but unfortunately we are both convinced that she didn't really get scared enough to not climb out again. Our floors are all tiled marble, so if she is not as successful next time, she could end up with major bumps and bruises. Against my original plans, we are now working on transitioning her to the toddler bed. (Her crib is convertible, so for now it looks like a tiny day bed.) While we were just in St. Louis, a friend told us to watch out, because around two is when they start climbing out of there cribs. We chose to not believe her since we have never even seen Savannah lift her leg in an attempt to escape...and look at us now!

Who knows, maybe she will like her "big girl bed" and become a "good" sleeper...or that is my wishful thinking. :)

All Good Things Must Come to an End

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. We are headed back to Dubai tonight. We have had a lovely time visiting with family. We were so fortunate that we were able to attend both my Nana's 90th birthday celebration and Stephanie's wedding into one trip. Being home reminds us, how lucky we really are. We typically spend our time in St. Louis going back and forth between family, but we do it happily and with a purpose. We chose to live far away, but it remains important to both Chris and I that Savannah grow up knowing her family and creating memories with them. She is going to be so bored when we get back to Dubai. Chris will return to work and she will be stuck with just me for entertainment! Our families are just wonderful to Savannah. Both my parents and Chris' mom have created extra bedrooms or living space... essentially for Savannah (and us) when we are in town and everyone wants to spend time with her. Depending on how the return flights go, I am considering coming back with Savannah by myself this summer. It would be great for her to have more time with everyone and give us a break from the heat and the holy month of Ramadan.

St. Louis City Museum

We went to the St. Louis City Museum with my mom, dad and sister. Our original plans had been to do something outside but the day started off pretty cloudy and raining so the City Museum was our backup plan. The City Museum is an old warehouse transformed with an eclectic mixture of playgrounds, slides, sculptures and unique objects to observe, climb and manipulate. Much of the museum is geared toward older kids so we spent most of the afternoon navigating our way through the toddler section of the museum. We even watched a live circus show!

Flying Airplanes with Grandpop

This afternoon we spent some time with Denny as he flew one of his model airplanes. He builds his own planes and then flies them at a model airplane air field in Buder Park. There were several planes flying at the airfield so Savannah got to see all types of planes, and the different ways they can each can fly. She had fun watching the planes but also picking flowers (or weeds) with Denny.

Back to the Park

We went back to the park, this time with my parents and sister. Although it was cooler today, Savannah had a great time...again mostly on the slides. She also "ran the bases" on the baseball field next door and had fun throwing and kicking a softball my dad found in the outfield.

St. Louis Magic House

The Magic House is a hands-on children's museum, that is loads of fun! Chris, Savannah and I went with Vickie and Kasey. Like the zoo it is one of those places you can visit over and over. Savannah had a blast running from exhibit to exhibit. I think the slides were her favorite though! The Magic House is fun for all ages...even the grown ups! It is also Chris' mom's birthday today so it was nice to be able to celebrate with her at the Magic House and dinner!

Dardenne Prairie Park

This afternoon Savannah and I went to a new park with my mom. The city my parents live in just opened a brand new park. It is perfect...close to their house and it has a separate playground for toddler/preschool age children. Of course, Savannah had a great time and did not want to leave.

On our way home we stopped by the Farmer's Market where Savannah picked out her own apple. The Farmer's Market reminded me how cheaply you can produce when it doesn't have to be imported in from around the world!

St. Louis Zoo

Today we all went to the St. Louis Zoo with Grammie and Aunt Kasey. There are so many great things about the St. Louis Zoo...entry is free, it is located in beautiful Forest Park, it is a great zoo with lots of animal attractions but the best part is that it is never the same trip twice. We went several times last summer and again today. I don't think we have done or seen the same things twice. Of course, Savannah wasn't much interested in riding in the stroller but it was a great afternoon at the zoo!